Noxon nodded.
“Once would be enough to send you to Atlanta, but let that go for the present. Are you willing to turn state’s evidence?”
Noxon moved uneasily in his seat. The proposition was distasteful.
“You needn’t feel any compunctions. Kit Woodford and that cub who calls himself Graff Miller have handed out the double cross many a time, and stand ready to do it again if it promises the slightest advantage to them. They have run off in the hope of taking care of their own hides, without caring the snap of a finger what became of you.”
“There is no mistake about that, Mr. Calvert?”
“I wouldn’t deceive you for an instant. Their own actions prove it. They have done the same thing before, and to-day they did not give you a thought, when danger threatened them.”
“I shall do whatever you wish.”
“Good! You may not know that, although I am a Pinkerton detective, I am under promise to my lifelong friend to do all I can to save you from yourself.”
“Does father know I am in this business, Mr. Calvert?”
“He doesn’t dream of such a thing. The shock would kill him. Therefore, I shall strain every nerve to keep him from ever learning the truth. I have a plan in mind, but before trying it you must answer a few questions.”